National Trust - Sutton Hoo

Sightseeing attraction | Woodbridge | England | United Kingdom

Archaeological site in England

Sutton Hoo is a significant archaeological site near Woodbridge, Suffolk, England. It gained fame through the discovery of two Anglo-Saxon cemeteries dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Particularly notable is an undisturbed ship burial that contained a wealth of artifacts and is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Europe.

Anglo-Saxon burial ground discovery

The discovery of the ship burial in 1939 was a milestone in understanding Anglo-Saxon history. The treasures found, including a magnificent helmet, weapons, jewelry, and household items, provided valuable insights into the culture and craftsmanship of that era. The artifacts are mostly displayed in the British Museum in London today.

King Rædwald ship burial

The Sutton Hoo site covers 255 acres and offers a wide view over the River Deben. It includes several burial mounds marking the final resting place of kings or high-ranking individuals of the Kingdom of East Anglia. The exact identity of the individuals buried here is not definitively known, but it is believed that the individual interred in the ship burial could be King Rædwald.

History of Sutton Hoo

Today, Sutton Hoo is managed by the National Trust and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the history of this unique site. The site includes Tranmer House, an early 20th-century mansion once owned by the Pretty family. Edith Pretty was the initiator of the excavations that led to the discovery of the ship burial. The house features exhibitions on the history of the excavations and the life of the Pretty family.

National Trust podcast history

A highlight of the visit is the 17-meter-high viewing tower, which offers a panoramic view of the site and the surrounding landscape. From here, visitors can understand the layout of the burial mounds and the topography of the area.

Sutton Hoo is not only a place of archaeological significance but also a site that provides deep insights into early medieval English history. The combination of impressive finds, informative presentations, and natural beauty makes it an essential destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Tranmer House
IP12 3DJ Woodbridge

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Monday10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday10:00 - 16:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00

Reviews

4052 Reviews

Carol A
26.01.2025

We arrived, I scanned my ticket, which thankfully was free from the paper, to be told every walk is closed. Which is fine, but tell me before my ticket is scanned, oh and also they shut at 1pm. Ok a little frustrating because after looking at the museum and watching the video that was it. We went to the cafe for a nice hot drink, got one cream tea and a cheese tea, the cheese scone was inedible, tasted like a lump of poppyseed dough. The fruit one was as hard as a rock. A sad shame to the usual high level foods that are available at other national trust places. Also, we should have been offered complimentary passes for another day if 80% of the attraction was closed on that day. Thank God my ticket was free if not I would be demanding a refund for a poor quality experience. I hear other people turning up after us who paid to get in this, for half an hour! Madness.
Miguel Pichardo
24.01.2025

Buenos días 🙏💕 la verdad que es un sitio y lugar e interesante para conocer claro es histórico Sutton Hoo siento curiosidad y lo quiero visitar para compartir mis opiniones con mi jente es increíble mis saludos cariñosos desde Venezuela Miguel pichardo les deseo un lindo y bendecido días 💕 para todas y todos
Gareth Young
21.01.2025

Never been but seems wonderful.
Marta Bautista
20.01.2025

I love Sutton Hoo. A historical place worth visiting and spending the day there. So interesting and inspiring! Walking along the surrounding river there is worth too.
Lee Ransome
19.01.2025

Not only does the history come to life with brilliant artifacts and displays, but the staff and volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and keen to answer any questions. Also amazing walks and an excellent restaurant.
Hil Clayton
14.01.2025

The mounds are rather underwhelming, but the museum is rather good - Mrs Pretty's house is well worth a tour too. Oh, and do visit the Tidal Mill in Woodbridge and the Viking ship reconstruction whilst you're in the area.
Mark Sikora
04.01.2025

foggy day provided a sense of timelessness. certainly stimulated the imagination and have been reading about the history of this area ever since.
Sandra
04.01.2025

We had a pleasant visit. We had lunch in the cafe which was light and spacious. We walked out to the burial mounds and walked up the viewing tower. The exhibitions were good and informative. It's definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
kevin mills
01.01.2025

This nationally important burial site is a must visit . The finding of the Anglo saxon ship burial in 1939 and the contents within are the British equivalent to howard carter's finds in Egypt. The site is looked after by the national trust and although the burial site is now just lumps and bumps in a field, there are fascinating exhibitions across the site and a viewing tower as well as the usual shop and cafe. Only criticism is on the day I visited there were a lot of young uncontrolled kids who didn't care for the history or story and one kid kept describing it as poo. Volunteers and parents did nothing to address it which was disappointing
Geno Byrne
31.12.2024

An amazing insight into a well travelled woman who had unstoppable curiosity and a local man who brought the past to life. Well worth a visit as the experience is first class
Ewa Tunstall
31.12.2024

Just amazing place. If you love history it's a must visit
Kumudu Studds
22.07.2021

We took some family members to show this amazing place, Sutton Hoo. The site was quiet magical as yesterday was a very misty day! We had the chance to attend the guided tour which we found very interesting! As soon as we arrived home, we watched "The Dig" once again while our memory was still fresh.
Katie
22.12.2024

Lovely place great marked walks and fascinating history
Paul Wright
17.12.2024

Four stars because we went in Winter when most of the exhibitions were closed as was the main cafe. Had a nice coffee and bacon roll in the little cottage at Tranmer House. Had a walk around the burial mounds and went up the tower. Winter is probably the best time to go up into the viewing tower. We will visit again
Andrew Stone
16.12.2024

Well worth a visit. Friendly helpful staff and nice shop and cafe. Personally I would have liked to have seen more information around the grounds. That said, the staff were all friendly and ready to impart knowledge.
Greg T
11.03.2023

Fascinating place. Although it was wet and windy, we went around the house and a short wall around the grounds.
Wild Minx (WildMinx)
05.12.2024

I love this place. I've been so many times. It's beautiful. Just go.
Ranjith Joseph
23.11.2024

Great day out with kids
naomi stuart
22.11.2024

Lovely forest walks, interesting exhibits especially for kids
Charles Teglborg Ashworth
20.11.2024

Fascinating
Jan Robertson (Impbat)
02.06.2021

Fantastic day out for the family. The Sutton Hoo story and finds are unique and the exhibition and reconstructions honour this well. A great site to wander around, plus good facilities and a lovely cafe with good vegan and vegetarian options too.
Lisa cox
16.11.2024

We were very impressed, staff are knowledgeable and friendly, lots of activities and all ages catered for.

 

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